NI Water wins environmental award

Northern Ireland (NI) Water's Rural Wastewater Investment Programme has been recognised by a national awards scheme for environmental best practice in its work with small communities.

L-r: Kirsty Moore, Paul Davison, Michael McAlary and Trevor Haslett of NI Water pictured at one of the upgraded sites, in Galbally, County Tyrone

The initiative took home a Green Champion award for Environmental Best Practice at this year's Green Apple Awards. NI Water was one of nine companies to have the Green Champion title conferred on them in this category this year, and received their award at the presentation ceremony at the House of Commons earlier this month.

Under the winning scheme, small wastewater facilities across Northern Ireland, serving populations of less than 250 people, have been upgraded and refurbished. Some 65 sites have so far been upgraded, and the announcement in September of an additional £4.3m in funding has secured work for another year. A further 26 sites will be refurbished in the period, bringing the total number to 91.

Commenting on the award, NI Water interim chief executive Trevor Haslett said: "This is a fantastic achievement for NI Water and our Contracting supply chain, and is fitting recognition for the excellent work that's been undertaken over the last three years through the Rural Wastewater Investment Programme. This dedicated rural scheme is both complex and logistically challenging but the rewards are far-reaching in terms of environmental improvements. Each project represents a significant investment by NI Water to implement the latest technology available to raise the standard of wastewater treatment so that rural communities can benefit from improved air and river water quality."